Barrowby
The Twentieth Century
Most of the stained glass dates from the early twentieth century:
The window depicting the Parable of the Sower is to the memory of Edward Grinling 1854-1935 and was designed by Heaton Butler and Laneton. The window in which Mary and Joseph are presenting Christ to Simeon and Anna in the Temple was dedicated on Ascension Day 1913 by Archdeacon Jawdine, Rector of Harlaxton and is to the memory of John and George Clark Downing. Both these windows are in the north wall.
A small lancet window depicting 'The Light of the World' in stained glass is in the west
wall of the tower was given as a gift in 1937 by Lady Emily Lloyd Mostyn.
The War Memorial is set into the earlier doorway into the churchyard in the north wall. The names of those who died from the village are commemorated, and a brass plaque with St. George killing the dragon is above the list of names. It was designed by Omar Ramsden of London. To the right of the memorial is a wall plaque to the memory of Cpl. Lawrence Frederick Swallow who was reported missing from the Battle of the Somme 1916.
Augusta Welby is remembered by the stained glass picture of the Resurrection the chancel; this is the work of Heaton. Butler and Bayne of London dedicated in 1904.
Under the east window is the oak reredos of 1920 with five painting sof saints, from left to right Augustine, George, Mary holding Christ, Michael and Hugh: this was given by Lady Emily Sarah Mostyn in memory of past worshippers the oak panelling on either side being given by the congregation in place of curtains.
In front of the altar and slightly to the sides are two wooden candlesticks carved with the names of those who lost their lives in World War II; the appropriate badge is between the name and rank.
The most modern window in the church is in the south wall, depicting Mary with the infant Jesus. It is in memory of Kathleen Swallow 1904-56 and was designed by Francis Skeat.
To the left of the south door is a figure of the Good Shepherd put there in 1909, being paid for by voluntary subscription; at the time the Rev. Stephen Gladstone - son of the Prime Minister - was Rector and Dr King. Bishop of Lincoln dedicated it. Outside and above the doorway of the porch is a stone statue of Mary holding Christ, it was dedicated at the same service as the Good Shepherd.
Present and Future
The second half of the twentieth century has seen much hard work to ensure the continued good condition of the church, and also to ensure that it meets the needs of its worshipping community in the present age. Like all the generations who have gone before us, we seek to make changes and adaptations suited to our needs, although with more respect for our heritage than many of them have shown!
The Churchyard
To the left of the main pathway, looking from the porch are some fine eighteenth century tombstones to the Jenkinson Family. Most have angel heads carved but the fifth one in from the pathway to Jane Jenkinson with its scroll work is particularly fine.
The slates belong to 1780-1840, where all the lettering is centred and the decorations are of urns hourglasses and garlands of flowers. The second one from the pathway is an exception having a bird etched in flowing lines. One of the finest slates in the churchyard belongs to this period. It is the first slate on your left as you leave the church. The dove and angels heads are carved in great depth, a difficult thing to do in slate; it is to the memory of Richard Broughton died 1782 and his wife Eleanor died 1777, the Sculptor was George Sparrow of Ratcliffe
Continuing along this pathway on your left hand side after the second yew tree is the oldest stone dated 1722, a small headstone erected to Richard Hare.
The churchyard is carefully maintained to preserve its traditional character as a haven for wildlife. In the Spring, snowdrops and primroses are to be found in abundance, and later cow-parsley and ox-eye daisies bloom. At the same time, the churchyard is kept neat and attractive in keeping with its function, and is pleasant place to visit, with views of open countryside to the north. The area leading off to the right at the bottom of the churchyard belongs to the Parish Council.
Our church building stands as a monument to all the hundreds of men and women who have worshipped in it, and in its predecessor, for perhaps a thousand years. Through the centuries, it has been a focus for the spiritual life of our community - a place to which people have come in the good times and the bad - to celebrate, to mourn, to seek comfort, to give thanks, and to ask for help. Today, it remains the place to which we come to bring to God our lives, our hopes and our fears, and to offer him our worship.